The Nameless King (Japanese: 無名の王, Hepburn: Mumei no Ō), alongside his Stormdrake known as the King of the Storm, is an optional boss in Dark Souls III. In the first phase of their fight, the player deals damage to the dragon mount, before fighting the King one-on-one in the second phase.
In-Game Description
- The Nameless King was once a dragon-slaying god of war, before he sacrificed everything to ally himself with the ancient dragons.[1]
Location
Found in Archdragon Peak, summoned by ringing the bell of the Great Belfry.
Lore
Dark Souls
The sunlight fighting miracle of the Nameless King.
The Nameless King is the firstborn child of Gwyn, Lord of Sunlight[2][3][4][5][6][7][8] and one of the deities who resided in Anor Londo during the Age of Fire.[9] He was worshipped by humans as the "god of war".[10]
During the war against the Dragons, the eldest son took part in the fighting together with Dragon Slayer Ornstein[11] and his father Gwyn,[12] using sunlight like him to create lightning spears and infuse his weapons to damage the creatures' scales.[12][13] The god of war distinguished himself as a dragon slayer,[14] using his swordspear imbued with lightning[15] and even creating his personal armor with the scales of his preys.[16] In addition, Ornstein, as his companion during the war, became his first knight[11][17] and as a god of war, the firstborn created his own covenant of the Warrior of Sunlight, a group of knights who venerated the heir of the sun and supported other fighters in battle,[18] obtaining medals with the symbol of the divinity as trophies.[19] The eldest would recognize their efforts and reward them by teaching them his lightning miracles.[20] The sun warriors would also develop an original miracle based on the story of the Nameless King, Ornstein, and the brave dragonslayers in their service.[11][21]
.png){kind=link}
The medal of the covenant with the Nameless King.
After his father Gwyn left to link the First Flame,[22] the throne of Anor Londo would pass to the eldest son of the King; and so the Nameless King inherited the Sunlight of his father.[10][12][13][15] He would thus wear the golden crown, and succeed his father's titles of "king of the gods"[23] and "god of the sun".[18][21][24] The Nameless King was said to be inferior to none in terms of pure military strength.[13] Gwyn's firstborn preserved his father's design and instructions, shepherding humans on the path to the Linking of the First Flame to continue the Age of Fire.[25] In fact, underneath Anor Londo, a city was built exclusively for the undead, with an altar inside for the firstborn of Gwyn,[26][27] and the aim of guiding a chosen undead who would one day sacrifice themselves to the Flame. Inside the city was the Undead Parish, a church at the center of the cult of the burg and connected to the first test to start on the path of Firelinking and ring the first Bell of Awakening.[28] Furthermore, the town was connected to the Firelink Shrine where Kingseeker Frampt awaited the champion and directed them on their journey.[29]
The ruins of an altar to the God of the Sun near the Undead Burg.
However, the rest of the firstborn's reign was marked by catastrophes. The Four Kings of New Londo were corrupted by the dark power of Darkstalker Kaathe,[30] starting to sow devastation nearby the city of the gods. Following Knight Artorias's failure to defeat the Darkwraiths,[31] the gods were forced to flood the city, sacrificing all the humans within, and seal it.[32] A similar event happened in Oolacile when, again due to Kaathe,[33][34] the awakening of the primordial human Manus[35] and his fury led to the collapse of the country when Artorias was unable to defeat him.[34][36] In addition to the grave situation on the borders of Anor Londo, the city of the gods itself became a dangerous place when a group of cultists began targeting the clan of Gwyn and their kind,[37] and occult weapons capable of killing the gods[38] reached inside the walls of Anor Londo.[39][40] Furthermore, in the city of the gods Seath the Scaleless had now completely lost his mind,[41] transforming his Archives into a prison and going so far as to kidnap the maidens of Gwynevere to carry out experiments on them.[42][43]
The eldest son of Gwyn would eventually decide to "sacrifice everything" to ally himself with the dragons.[16][44] His actions in the eyes of the other deities of Anor Londo, archenemies of the dragons whom they had once fought until their extermination, amounted to an unforgivable sin; and the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back was used as an excuse to condemn the firstborn to be dethroned and exiled from the city. The former king was even deprived his deific status, his statues destroyed and his name erased from the annals of history.[10][12][44] Before leaving Anor Londo, the eldest would have left his sunlight blade miracle and ring on Gwyn's empty grave in his mausoleum as a final farewell, still paying respects for his father.[45] Now excommunicated from the pantheon of the gods and without a home, the god of war would continue to watch closely over his warriors of the sunlight,[19] listening to their prayers and rewarding the proofs of their exploits with his miracles of Sunlight Spear and Great Lightning Spear.[20][46]
Dark Souls II
The ruins of an altar to the God of the Sun near Alken.
At some point the followers of the god of the sun reached Drangleic. In the Harvest Valley, a region under the control of Alken,[47] the remains of an altar that venerated the Nameless King can be found in the form of an exact replica of his ancient statues,[26][48] implying that the god of the sun was worshipped until the fall of the kingdom.
The ancient Warriors of Sunlight, as of the time of Drangleic, are either no longer extant or lack the desire to make their presence known.[49][50] Nevertheless, their very absence has made the tales of their brave deeds all the more alluring.[51] Solaire of Astora's deeds in particular have been memorialized and his artifacts passed down in the cult of the Heirs of the Sun,[51][52] who continue to act to help other warriors in times of need, following the original philosophy of the cult of the sun[53] and collecting evidence of their successes in the form of ancient medals with the symbol of the sun to honor the most worthy servants of the sun god.[49]
The Falconers, a group of mercenaries hired to protect the elites of Volgen,[54] were still part of the covenant of those that worshipped the God of the Sun[55] and possessed their Sunlight Medals.[56] Moreover, in Lindelt, a "sacred land" known for its clerics and miracles,[57] the Nameless King's miracles of Lightning Spear and Great Lightning Spear were preserved and passed down within its religion,[58] although the names of the clan of gods and the sun god had been lost.[23] Furthermore, some other miracles of the god such as the Sunlight Blade and the Sacred Oath appear to have been part of the lost culture of Olaphis,[59] indicating a continuing tradition of the cult of the Nameless King, even if fragmentary, throughout the history of Drangleic.
Dark Souls III
Over the centuries, the Nameless King would continue to lead a warrior's life and take part in countless battles, fighting alongside his stormdrake with whom he forged a relationship of profound camaraderie, coming to consider him as a comrade in arms as was an ancient custom among soldiers of the gods.[60][61]
The ruins of an altar to the God of the Sun inside Lothric.
In the heyday of Lothric, when the descendants of Drangleic[62][63] and followers of the Way of Blue[64] and the Heirs of the Sun[65][66][67] moved to another location, they still remembered the Nameless King as their God of the Sun. As the early inhabitants of Lothric found themselves facing large numbers of wyverns, they had to become dragonslayers to survive;[65][68][69][70] and so they turned to the Nameless King, building an altar for him.[71] The first knights of Lothric devoted themselves to the worship of the ancestral deity of the sun and war,[44][65][66] who in return gave them the tools to face the wyverns.[72] Their first armors were heavy masses of iron capable of withstanding dragon fire and similar in design to the ancient armor of the dragonslayers of Anor Londo, while their shields were capable of absorbing the fierce lightning attacks of wyverns.[68][73][74] From the sun god they also soon learned how to infuse their weapons with the power of lightning, lethal against dragons, and the ancient techniques for hunting archdragons.[65][69][75] Finally they learned to use his miracles which allowed them to manipulate the power of lightning.[74][76] The cult of the Nameless King remained prevalent among the soldiery of Lothric until the last days of the kingdom, as one of his altars can be found right inside the military barracks,[71] and the knights of the kingdom seem to still be part of the Warriors of Sunlight covenant.[65][66][72]
Theories
- It is possible to theorize that the name of Gwyn's firstborn was "Gwyn-Sen" (セン).
- Before linking the First Flame, Lord Gwyn had entrusted his "male children" with the task of shepherding humans into following his example, through the prophecy of the Chosen Undead.[25] The Undead Burg was likely built under the reign of the firstborn, as a statue of him can be found near the Undead Parish.[26] Consequently, it is possible to theorize that Sen's Fortress, created as a proving ground to access Anor Londo and obtain the Lordvessel, all steps required as proofs of the prophecy,[77] was also created by the firstborn, thereby making its name "Sen's Fortress"(センの古城). The particle "Gwyn" before the name comes from the fact that Gwyn's other children, known and openly recognized as legitimate, carry it in their name like "Gwyn-evere" and "Gwyn-dolin".
.png){kind=link}
The helm of Faraam depicting a knight fighting a dragon.
- It is possible to theorize that Faraam is the name that the people of Forossa used in veneration of Gwyn's firstborn after his name was lost over the centuries. Not only does Faraam share with the Nameless King the title of "god of war",[78][79] but the god was also able to bless the armor of Forossa Knights,[78] whose helmet depicted a knight fighting an enormous dragon,[80] implying that Faraam was not a "false" deity created by the legends of men[81] but an active entity in the kingdom who was capable of performing the miracles of the ancient gods.[78] The Lion Knights of Forossa, besides bearing the title "Lion" same as Gwyn's firstborn and first knight,[11][17][82] were not only mighty but rabid warriors obsessed with fighting; Forossan knights knew only war and no other ways of living, to the point that they didn't even know what they were fighting for,[83] similarly to the Nameless King who "had respect only for arms, and nothing else".[12]
Artifacts
- Golden Crown
- Dragonscale Set
- Ring of the Sun's First Born
- Ring of the Sun's Firstborn
- Dragonslayer Swordspear
- Storm Curved Sword
- Great Lightning Spear
- Great Lightning Spear (Dark Souls II)
- Great Lightning Spear (Dark Souls III)
- Sunlight Blade
- Sunlight Blade (Dark Souls II)
- Lightning Blade
- Lightning Storm
- Sacred Oath
- Sacred Oath (Dark Souls III)
- Sunlight Medal
- Sunlight Medal (Dark Souls II)
- Sunlight Medal (Dark Souls III)
Strategy
Phase 1: King of the Storm
The fight begins with the Nameless King entering on his mount from the midway point of the arena. He then proceeds to attack the player through either swipes and slams from his spear. Lightning bolts during flight and flames fired from his mount. Both have two qualifiers; one being that he touches down nearby the player and sprays a swatch of fire in their direction, to cover a large area. The other being when the player stays under the mounts body and is reminiscent of the Ancient Dragons attack of flying straight up and flooding the area under him with a long burst of fire. This can easily kill the player as it will stun them in the first hit, knocking them down and, hit them once again as they recover. All attacks should either be leveled at the mounts head, or the rider himself. Several attacks are enough to stagger the mount long enough for a critical, or if one has sufficient int/faith. A spell can be used to possibly once shot the rider. A Sunlight Spear and standard charm were enough to accomplish this task on NG+1.
Phase 2: The Nameless King
The Nameless King will dismount and absorb the strength of his mount after it is defeated. His attacks will be dragged out when going after the player. Usually catching an unprepared fighter off guard as they roll too early and are struck for heavy damage. Which on later a play through, can nearly one hit the player in several instances. His attacks will either be followed with large burst of wind, or lightning and he also possesses several attacks that can release ranged bolts on the player. Along with a grab that can travel up to 20 units in the player's direction.
It is advised that the player wait for him to finish his attacks before attacking him during his recovery from the combo, or strike him when he is stuck telegraphing his more powerful maneuvers.
Drops
| Item |  Soul of the Nameless King |
| Drop Rate | Guaranteed |
Notes
- Both the Nameless King and the King of the Storm can't be parried, but can be poise-broken with successive attacks, which allows to perform a riposte.
Achievements/Trophies
Gallery
Videos
Music
References
- ↑ Item description of Soul of the Nameless King.
- ↑ Dragonslayer Swordspear and Storm Curved Sword explain how the Nameless King is temporally located during the Dragon War and belongs to the clan of the gods of Anor Londo, where it was traditional to absorb the souls of comrades fallen in battle (see Dragon Slayer Ornstein and Executioner Smough bossfight)
- ↑ Great Lightning Spear (Dark Souls III) description explains how Gwyn's firstborn used a greatspear to hunt dragons, as the Nameless does too when fighting (see Dragonslayer Swordspear)
- ↑ Soul of the Nameless King description explains that the Nameless King had the title of "dragon-slaying god of war", a name dedicated only to Gwyn's firstborn (see Great Lightning Spear)
- ↑ Lightning Storm description explains how the Nameless King's soul is directly linked to Gwyn's firstborn as his lightning miracle can be crafted with it (see Lightning Spear)
- ↑ Lightning Storm description explains how the Nameless King was not only a god of war but also the "former king" of the gods, placing him as the heir of Gwyn, the previous king of the gods
- ↑ Golden Crown and Golden Bracelets descriptions explain how the Nameless King wears the same golden armor of Lord Gwyn as he inherited the crown of king of the gods after he linked the Flame (see Crown of the Great Lord and Bracelet of the Great Lord)
- ↑ Dragonslayer Swordspear description explains how the Nameless King is the "heir of lightning" as Gwyn was the god of sunlight and used lightning in battle (see Sunlight Spear)
- ↑ Ring of the Sun Princess description.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 Ring of the Sun's Firstborn (Dark Souls I) and Ring of the Sun's First Born (Dark Souls III) descriptions.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 Sacred Oath (Dark Souls III) description.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 Great Lightning Spear (Dark Souls III) description.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 Great Lightning Spear (Dark Souls I) description.
- ↑ Lightning Storm description.
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 Dragonslayer Swordspear description.
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 Dragonscale Set description.
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 Leo Ring (Dark Souls III) description.
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 Solaire of Astora dialogue.
- ↑ 19.0 19.1 Sunlight Medal description.
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 Great Lightning Spear#Availability
- ↑ 21.0 21.1 Sacred Oath (Dark Souls II) description.
- ↑ Kingseeker Frampt dialogue.
- ↑ 23.0 23.1 Lightning Spear (Dark Souls II) description.
- ↑ Golden Crown description.
- ↑ 25.0 25.1 Darkstalker Kaathe dialogue: "だから奴は、火を継ぎ、自らの息子たちに、人を率い、縛らせた" TL: "For this reason, he (Gwyn) inherited the Fire and made his sons guide and bind humans".
- ↑ 26.0 26.1 26.2 https://darksouls.fandom.com/wiki/File:Sunlight_Altar_Statue.png
- ↑ Warrior of Sunlight#How to join
- ↑ Bells of Awakening and Bell Gargoyles location.
- ↑ Kingseeker Frampt location and dialogue.
- ↑ Bequeathed Lord Soul Shard and Dark Hand and Darksword and Red Eye Orb descriptions.
- ↑ Greatsword of Artorias and Greatsword of Artorias (Cursed) and Silver Pendant descriptions.
- ↑ Key to the Seal and Tin Banishment Catalyst description.
- ↑ Marvelous Chester dialogue: "Believe it or not, Oolacile has brought the Abyss upon itself. Fooled by that toothy serpent, they upturned the grave of primeval man, and incited his ornery wrath. What could they have been thinking? But to you and I, it's all ancient history. You have to ask yourself. Does it really matter? Heh heh heh..."
- ↑ 34.0 34.1 Hawkeye Gough dialogue: "I suspect thou hast taken a gander at it, but the Dark of the Abyss, which swallowed poor Artorias, threatens to devour our entire land of Oolacile. It seems that this dire fate is unavoidable. But, seduced by a Dark serpent or no, they awoke that thing themselves, and drove it mad... One's demise is always one's own making."
- ↑ Soul of Manus description.
- ↑ Hawkeye Gough dialogue: "If thine wish is to succeed poor Artorias, and challenge the spread of the Dark, then thou must face Manus, Father of the Abyss. The Dark emanates from Manus himself. Even if this land shall expire, thou may be able to prevent further corrosion... But even so, one day the flames will fade, and only Dark will remain. And even a legend such as thineself can do nothing to stop that."
- ↑ Effigy Shield description.
- ↑ Dark Ember description.
- ↑ Occult Club found inside Anor Londo.
- ↑ Anor Londo#Notable items
- ↑ Darkmoon Knightess dialogue: "Now that I think about it, do you know the white dragon Seath? Legend says he betrayed the Ancient Dragons. He became a sworn friend of King Gwyn, was made Duke, and given the freedom to do his own research. In the enormous library, he immersed himself in research on the scales of immortality, which he did not have. But soon, those searches drove him crazy. The library became a prison, a place of macabre experiments... And now it's a no-go zone and no one can get close. It's at the top of the mountain on the left after you exit here. Please don't approach recklessly..."
- ↑ Pisaca#Drops
- ↑ Archive Tower Giant Cell Key description: "The large cell that once held many holy maidens is now empty, leaving aside the presence of an important prisoner. It is difficult for a normal person to stay sane in this place, due to the results of the horrible twisting experiments."
- ↑ 44.0 44.1 44.2 Soul of the Nameless King description.
- ↑ Sunlight Blade description.
- ↑ Sunlight Spear#Availability
- ↑ Heirs of the Sun#Requirements
- ↑ https://darksouls.fandom.com/wiki/File:Heirs_of_the_Sun_Statue.png
- ↑ 49.0 49.1 Sunlight Medal (Dark Souls II) description.
- ↑ Sunlight Blade (Dark Souls II) description.
- ↑ 51.0 51.1 Sunlight Parma description.
- ↑ Sun Sword#Availability
- ↑ Sun Seal description.
- ↑ Falconer Helm description.
- ↑ Falconer#Drops
- ↑ Sunlight Medal (Dark Souls II)#Availability
- ↑ Archdrake Staff description.
- ↑ Lightning Spear (Dark Souls II)#Availability and Great Lightning Spear (Dark Souls II)#Availability
- ↑ Sunlight Blade#Availability and Sacred Oath#Availability
- ↑ Storm Curved Sword and Lightning Storm description.
- ↑ Dragon Slayer Ornstein and Executioner Smough bossfight.
- ↑ Faraam Set (Dark Souls III)#Availability and Lion Knight Albert
- ↑ Priest's Chime (Dark Souls I) and Priest's Chime (Dark Souls III) appearance.
- ↑ Way of Blue (item)#Availability and Golden Wing Crest Shield and Golden Wing Shield descriptions.
- ↑ 65.0 65.1 65.2 65.3 65.4 Lightning Urn (Dark Souls III) description.
- ↑ 66.0 66.1 66.2 Sunlight Straight Sword (Dark Souls III)#Availability and Warrior of Sunlight (Dark Souls III)#Altar of Sunlight location
- ↑ Spirit Tree Crest Shield#Availability and Golden Wing Crest Shield#Availability
- ↑ 68.0 68.1 Lothric Knight Shield description.
- ↑ 69.0 69.1 Lothric Knight Greatsword description.
- ↑ Lightning Gem description.
- ↑ 71.0 71.1 https://darksouls.fandom.com/wiki/File:Altar-sunlight-ds3.JPG
- ↑ 72.0 72.1 Sunlight Medal (Dark Souls III)#Availability
- ↑ Iron Dragonslayer Set and Dragonslayer Set appearance.
- ↑ 74.0 74.1 Dragonslayer Greatshield description.
- ↑ Dragonslayer Greataxe description.
- ↑ Great Lightning Spear (Dark Souls III)#Availability
- ↑ Andre of Astora dialogue.
- ↑ 78.0 78.1 78.2 Faraam Set description.
- ↑ Northwarder Set description.
- ↑ Faraam Helm (Dark Souls III) appearance.
- ↑ Hunter's Blackbow description.
- ↑ Ornstein's Set and Dragonslayer Set descriptions.
- ↑ Vengarl of Forossa dialogue.